Manchester, Jan 21 (AP) Manchester City signed a second defender in two days, this time 19-year-old Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for 35 million euros ($36 million) on Tuesday.

Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov signed on Monday for a 4 1/2-year contract. The length of Reis' contract wasn't given.

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“I'm excited to join Manchester City," Reis said. “I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies."

The four-time defending Premier League champion has been unusually busy in the January transfer window following an alarming run of form leading up to Christmas. City was fifth in the standings and 12 points behind leader Liverpool, and fighting to reach the last 16 in the Champions League.

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Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush is reportedly another target for 75 million euros ($77 million).

Reis was a Brazil Under-17 international and made 22 first-team appearances for Palmeiras.

“He is excellent on the ball and outstanding in the air — he has all the attributes needed to be one of the best," City director of football Txiki Begiristain said.

The moves for Reis and Khusanov, also a center back, come after injuries to City defenders including Ruben Dias, John Stones and Nathan Ake. An ACL injury for Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has also undermined City's challenge in the Premier League and Europe, with manager Pep Guardiola admitting recently his squad was too small to cope.

City has traditionally preferred to save major transfers for the offseason, but Guardiola has chosen to strengthen now.

City plays Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, with both teams in danger of being eliminated. (AP) UNG 7/21/2024

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)